Management of advanced ARDS complicated by bilateral pneumothoraces with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in an adult

Abstract

We report the case of a 33-yr-old patient with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicated by bilateral pneumothoraces, who was successfully treated with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation following failure to respond to conventional ventilation. The role of high-frequency ventilation in the management of ARDS and air leaks is discussed. © The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2004.